Hormone replacement therapy has helped countless men and women conquer the symptoms of hormone deficiency. When considering hormone replacement therapy, it’s important to understand the differences between bio-identical and synthetic hormones.

Bio-identical hormones

Bio-identical hormones are plant-based hormone substances. Made from soy and yam, they precisely match the molecular structure and function of human hormones. The body recognizes them. This enables them to bind appropriately to the same receptors as their human counterparts. The body metabolizes bio-identical’s in the way it was designed to. These hormones produce the same physiologic responses. Thus, bio-identical’s can provide vital support to the body’s organs, tissues and cells. In fact, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, when administered properly, can be virtually side-effect free. Additionally, bio-identical’s can be compounded to meet the dosage needs of each individual. That isn’t possible with mass-produced pharmaceutical synthetics.

Synthetic hormones

Pharmaceutical companies specialize in marketing synthetic hormone replacement therapy drugs. The biggest sellers feature imitations of estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone. Unlike bio-identical hormones, synthetics are crafted to differ structurally from human hormone. This basic difference is intentional and essential. It allows the patenting of synthetic hormones and needless to say, patented medications generate big profits.These non-identical imitators do reduce some symptoms of hormone deficiency. However, they cannot restore the balance that supports good health. Built-in dissimilarities prohibit synthetic hormones from communicating with many receptors that control crucial body functions. This creates an environment for serious health problems.